“Show me everything in KL”, my friend said, before flying to Malaysia with her 11-year-old son. “You’ve got 40 hours.” That last comment came with a winking smiley, but still I felt I was on a ‘mission impossible’…
How to satisfy one’s lust for exploring a new city in 40 hours?! My friend is a foodie and her son likes some action, so I was up for a challenge. I started with a pre-departure advice, replying to her: “Please arrive with an empty stomach, and we go from there.”
Day 1
8am ~ having a coffee and a small bite
We sat down at the nice outdoor terrace at Kenny Hills Bakers in Bukit Tunku. Best coffee in KL? I dare to say yes, and my friend’s son said there was nothing wrong with peach strudel for breakfast. More info here.
Kenny Hills Bakers, The Stories lot B-2, Taman Tunku, off Jalan Langgak Tunku, Bukit Tunku
9.30am ~ going for a greenery stroll
We took a Grab after our light breakfast to explore the nearby jungle at Taman Tugu. It’s a developed park with lots of trees, so no need to worry about a hat or sunscreen. We had some time up our sleeves and took the long trail today.
Taman Tugu is off Jalan Sultan Salahuddin coming from Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur. Waze will get you there easily by car or Grab.
Shower time!
11.30am ~ don’t look down: the Skybox
We headed to the KL Tower, to live life on the ledge with a photo on the glass floor at Sky Deck KL Tower. I can’t think of any better Instagrammable places than the Skybox at the KL Tower. For those with a fear of heights: just take a deep breath…
KL Tower, Jalan Puncak off Jalan P Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur
1pm ~ Indian delights: banana leaf lunch
There are many places in KL to have a luscious banana leaf meal, but for me, Bala’s in Bangsar stands out for its cozy terrace setting, good parking options and pleasant service. Do try the salty lassi and the optional egg dishes.
Bala’s Banana Leaf, 25 Lorong Ara Kiri 1, Bangsar
2.30pm ~ wander, read and explore inside an old cinema
Next, we took a Grab to REXKL to hang out at BookXcess REXKL. Even if you’re not looking to buy books, it’s a great place to simply walk around and admire your surroundings.
REXKL, 80 Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur
3.30pm ~ Chinese culture and a stunning old mosque
From RexKL, we walked 7 minutes to arrive just on time to enter the old Sin Sze Si Ya temple (open till 4pm). We burned some incense here.
Sin Sze Si Ya temple, 14A Lebuh Pudu, Kuala Lumpur
Another 7 min stroll and we arrived at the River of Life, from where we had a great view over the confluence of Klang River and Gombak River and Masjid Jamek. This is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur and worth visiting.
Masjid Jamek, Jalan Tun Perak, Kuala Lumpur
6.30pm ~ visiting an old railway depot in Sentul
From Masjid Jamek we took yet another Grab for drinks and dinner at high-end foodhall Tiffin at the Yard in Sentul Park. It was Thursday, so the place was open for business. Tiffiin is also open on Friday evenings and the whole day for lunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays. If you come here by car, parking is no problem at all.
Tiffin at the Yard, Sentul West, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah
Day 2
7.45am ~ roti canai for breakfast
24 Hours down and only 16 to go, so we’re on a tight but fun schedule. We’re at restaurant Nasi Kandar Pelita, close to KLCC. All food on display looks great, but we’re going for the ‘mother of all sinful street food’: a delicious roti canai with teh tarik. More info here. Tip: Nasi Kandar Pelita is open 24 hours per day.
Nasi Kandar Pelita, 149 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
9am ~ exploring the city by bike
We walk over to MikeBikes next door at MaTiC for the 2.5 hours Authentic Experience bicycle tour. We had different dinner plans already, but if you don’t, you could join their very special Pitstop Foodie Tour. Have a look at our review here.
MikeBikes, Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC), 109 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
12.30pm ~ Chinese food at its best in Seputeh
After our bike ride, we’re Grabbing it to Chinese restaurant Siu Siu in Seputeh for a light lunch. Established and well known restaurant Siu Siu is quite hidden in the bush and that’s part of its beauty. Have a look here at our review to get into the mood for some awesome Chinese food.
Siu Siu, No 15-11 Lorong Syed Putra Kiri, Seputeh
2.30pm ~ Sample some Chinese culture
A quick grab drive brings us to the closeby Thean Hou temple, in Seputeh as well. They have great statues of each of the Chinese animal signs there. Not only during Chinese New Year, but also outside the festive season worth a visit.
The Thean Hou temple, 65 Persiaran Endah, Off Jalan Syed Putra, Seputeh
4pm ~ culture in an alley
After a stroll around the temple, we take a Grab to Kwai Chai Hong, to explore the many stories collected in this street. Simply point your phone at the QR codes on the walls next to the murals to listen to them.
Time for drinks and a snack at Concubine’s upstairs terrace. We loved the keropol nachos! You can book here (ask for terrace seats).
Kwai Chai Hong, Lorong Panggung, Kuala Lumpur
6pm ~ more food…?
Yes, for sure! We walk over to Old China Café, just around the corner from Kwai Chai Hong, for early dinner. Must-tries are the top hats, the rendang and best dessert ever: the santan durian cream.
Old China Café, 11 Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur
After my friend’s son is picked up for a sleepover, we head next door for the speakeasy The Attic Bar. When we’re done with their wonderful arak shots, we take a 6 minutes stroll to Crane KL and The Deceased, both awesome speakeasies, listed here in our post.
The Attic Bar, 15 Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur
Crane KL, 78 Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur
The Deceased, 55 Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur
Mission well-accomplished, based on the thumbs up from my friend, who left KL tired but satisfied. A note of warning: the itineraries above are for the true foodies only and those addicted to wanderlust. Have a blast with your next guests!
